Shelterbelt Varieties for Alberta - Green Ash

Green ash has a straight, single trunk with a high-headed, open crown. Depending on the seed source, some specimens may have droopy branches when mature. Leaves are late to appear in the spring and drop early in the fall. It is easy to transplant.

Green ash can attain a mature height of 12 to 20 m (40 to 65 ft), and a spread of 9 m (30 ft), with an annual growth rate of 10 to 60 cm (4 to 24 in.). It has a useful lifespan of 50 to 90 years.

Green ash has a wide soil adaptation, tolerating wet, alkaline, and drought conditions. It should be planted in full sun, but can withstand some shade.

Hardiness

Fully hardy to northern Alberta. It will survive under extreme climate exposure. .Uses

Green ash is planted as a street tree, shelterbelt, background, landscape specimen and shade tree.
In shelterbelt situations green ash should be planted l.5 to 3 m (4.5 to 10 ft) between trees in the row and 5 to 8 m (17 to 26 ft) between rows.

Problems

Bark of young trees may sunscald in winter. Female specimens produce samaras which are retained over the winter and give the tree a messy appearance.